Experience in Helsinki, Finland by Lucia

What is it like to live in Helsinki? Would you recommend it? What is the city like?

Live in Helsinki is beutifull. It is very calm city. You can relax here a lot. There is a wonderful landscape and a lot of green area. I recommend it to make a random walk. You can find many interesting places every day. There is also a many events, gallery and other nice place to visit. And the best thing, you can go to sauna almost everywhere -its great!!

What is the student lifestyle like in Helsinki?

The live for student here has some advantages. There are many events and activities for students and also for example the student lunch cost just 2,60. Some entries are cheaper for students. But except that live here is still quite expensive.

How much does it cost to live in Helsinki?

The live here is very expensive. You should have saved some extra money before your arrival to Helsinki. Accomodation in Helsinki in average is around 300eur/ month. It depends of which area are you living. Food and entertaiment is quite expensive too.

Is it difficult to find accommodation in Helsinki? Is there any advice you can give?

It is not so easy, because many possibilities are too expensive or too far from the city center. The best way how to find some place to stay in Helsinki is to join several groups on Facebook.

What is the food like? What are your favourite dishes?

The finnish people living very healthy life. You can find here everywhere fresh fruits and vegetables 365 days of year. They have very multicultural kitchen, so you can find here different style of food. You can taste also some special food here, for example reindeer meat etc.

What places would you recommend visiting in Helsinki?

Helsinki cathedral, Rock church, Kamppi chapel, Regata caffee house, Sibelius park, many secondhand shops and more.

Is it good to eat out in Helsinki? Can you tell us your favourite spots?

I prefer to cook for myself, because the eat out in Helsinki is quite expensive.

Is the nightlife good in Helsinki? Where is good to go?

There are different spots to go, it depends of which kind of party and music you prefer. For example you can go to dance to "Kaiku" club. If you want to go out and have some beer with your friends i can recommend the "Kalio" district, where you can find a many different bars and good prices :)

What advice would you give future students heading to Helsinki?

Enjoy every day of erasmus! Make a new friends, go out, try new food, explore unknown things and places. Although it´s quite expensive here, don´t worry about money, they were here and they will be here. Just enjoying! It is the best time in your life!